Sen. Kirk says stroke changed perspective on Medicaid [View all]

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) said his debilitating stroke has sparked a new interest in the experience of people on Medicaid.

In an interview published Wednesday, Kirk said that most Illinois residents insured through the low-income health program would be eligible for just 11 rehabilitation sessions following a stroke.

"Had I been limited to that I would have had no chance to recover like I did. So unlike before suffering the stroke, I’m much more focused on Medicaid and what my fellow citizens face," Kirk told the Chicago Sun Times.

"I will look much more carefully at the Illinois Medicaid program to see how my fellow citizens are being cared for who have no income and if they suffer from a stroke," Kirk said.

http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/medicaid/275291-sen-kirk-says-stroke-changed-perspective-on-medicaid


'I felt like there were angels in the room

(snip)
After a year away from work, Kirk said he realizes he was lucky to receive the care he did. While he still does not favor Obamacare, his recovery has given him a new perspective.

"On the Medicaid side, how we address citizens of Illinois who suffer from a stroke ... working so that my fellow citizens have the opportunities that I had," he said.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/03/16323596-senator-who-suffered-stroke-i-felt-like-there-were-angels-in-the-room?lite